Occupational Therapist Salary in Nashville, TN: $103,709 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Nashville, TN earns a median $103,709/year (≈ $49.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Nashville's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.3), that paycheck buys what $107,651 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For occupational therapists in Nashville, Tennessee, the projected median annual salary for 2026 stands at $103,709, reflecting a modest increase compared to the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this profession in the area is notable, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $72,750 (P10) and experienced therapists earning as much as $125,568 (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, indicate that Nashville's occupational therapist pay remains competitive. As the demand for skilled therapists grows, particularly in response to changes in Medicare reimbursements impacting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy, the job market in Nashville offers opportunities for those looking to enter the field or shift their career focus.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,750 | $34.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,623 | $40.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,709 | $49.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,532 | $53.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,568 | $60.37 |
Median Salary Position
0.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Nashville
In Nashville, TN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,818 (2026 est.). At $103,709, the local median is 0.3% above the national median of $103,400.
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How Nashville Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Nashville median: $103,709/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Nashville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $98,865 | +4.90% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +0.30% more |
Occupational Therapists in Nashville, TN earn a median of $103,709 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.30% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 4.90% above the Tennessee state average of $98,865.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Nashville has a cost of living 3.66% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Nashville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 96.338 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $103,709 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $107,651 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.8% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,380
2025 BLS Actual
$100,630
2026 Current Est.
$103,709
2019–2027 Growth
+29.7%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Nashville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,709 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,883 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nashville metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 22.2% from $82,380 (2019) to $100,630 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,883 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,503 (29.74%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nashville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $72,750 – $84,623 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,623 – $103,709 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,709 – $110,532 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,532 – $125,568 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Nashville
In terms of employment, there are currently 710 occupational therapists in Nashville, demonstrating a robust job market despite fluctuations in regional compensation. The cost of living index in the city sits at 96.338, slightly below the national average, which suggests that the purchasing power of occupational therapist salaries may stretch further in Nashville than in other metropolitan areas. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals typically offer the highest salaries, whereas positions within school systems or early intervention programs may offer lower pay due to varying funding structures. Compensation discrepancies stem from factors such as workplace setting, productivity expectations, and the impact of board certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which commands a premium in compensation. To maximize earnings in Nashville, OTs should consider obtaining relevant certifications, aiming for outpatient clinics or hospital roles, and looking for positions with year-round contracts that might yield higher pay and job stability.
More salary data for Nashville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Nashville, TN in 2026?
Is Nashville, TN a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Nashville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Nashville?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $100,630 for occupational therapistsin the Nashville metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov